Gavin Newsom reveals 2028 presidential decision timeline during Turkey climate summit
WASHINGTON, DC: California Governor Gavin Newsom said on Thursday, November 12, that he would decide by early January whether to enter the 2028 presidential race, offering his clearest timeline yet for a potential White House bid.
Speaking to Turkey's Anadolu news agency during the COP31 international climate conference, Newsom said he would spend the coming weeks with his family before making a decision. The outgoing governor also described the recent midterm election results as a "rebuke" of President Donald Trump.
Newsom sets early January timeline for 2028 presidential decision
Speaking to the outlet Newsom said that "I'll make the determination at the beginning of the year, so we'll spend the next few weeks with the family and make a decision early January," outlining when he expects to settle his plans.
🗣️ California Gov. Gavin Newsom calls US midterm results 'historic rebuke' of President Donald Trump 📌 Newsom says Democrats must offer positive alternative ahead of 2028 elections 🗓️ Says will decide on his political future in early January https://t.co/aHPFpoxi86 https://t.co/z5ArtQRg6b
— Anadolu English (@anadoluagency) November 12, 2026
The California governor made the remarks during an international trip in which he promoted the state's environmental policies and criticised Trump's withdrawal from global climate agreements.
During the visit, Newsom met Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva to discuss expanding California's climate partnership with Brazil. The governor's office also announced that he had finalised a new climate agreement with Portugal.
It was a pleasure to meet with President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva at COP31 to strengthen California’s ties with Brazil and further our shared climate goals. The state of California will continue to work with Brazil to deepen our shared work on clean energy, carbon markets, and climate resilience.
— Governor Gavin Newsom (@CAgovernor) November 12, 2026
Newsom and his wife, Jennifer Siebel Newsom, visited a forestry training centre to exchange lessons on wildfire management. He also attended a gathering organised by UN Secretary-General António Guterres, alongside governors and mayors, including Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and London Mayor Sadiq Khan.
Newsom previously avoided a firm commitment to the 2028 presidential race
Despite setting a timetable for his decision, Newsom had previously avoided making a firm commitment to the 2028 race. In September, he told CNN's Jake Tapper that he would not run if former Vice President Kamala Harris decided to enter the contest.
"I don't know if she runs, but we'll see," Newsom said during a fly-fishing interview in Montana. "I wouldn't run if she ran."
Gavin Newsom tells CNN’s Jake Tapper he won’t run for president in 2028 if Kamala Harris enters the race. https://t.co/ZmwblDZ9nx
— Clash Report (@clashreport) September 14, 2026
Newsom also described a potential contest between the two Democrats as "mutual assured destruction," citing their overlapping networks of friends and supporters. He has also said that the backing of his family would be essential before considering a campaign.
"If they're not on board," he said, "that's a nonstarter."
However, prediction markets suggested that the recent election outcomes had not necessarily improved Newsom's prospects, with his chances of securing the Democratic presidential nomination falling to just 7%.
Newsom also said the results had created an obligation for Democrats to deliver, adding, "I'm particularly pleased with the outcome of the election, and I think the vast majority of people around the globe are very pleased with the outcome of the election as well," he said.
